{"product_id":"2025-easton-alpha-1-piece-balanced-slowpitch-softball-bat-13-inch-240-nts-esu5al1b","title":"2025 Easton Alpha 1 Piece Balanced Slowpitch Softball Bat 13 Inch 240 NTS ESU5AL1B","description":"\u003ch2\u003e2025 Easton Alpha One-Piece Balanced 240 NTS: 13-Inch Barrel, Direct Feel\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003e2025 Easton Alpha ESU5AL1B\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 34-inch, one-piece composite slowpitch bat with a \u003cstrong\u003e13-inch barrel and balanced weighting\u003c\/strong\u003e. It is aimed at hitters who want a bat that stays manageable through the hitting zone without the pronounced barrel-heavy sensation of a loaded design. Balanced does not mean weightless: the available 25-, 26- and 27-ounce choices still need to match the player's timing and swing strength.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e232 Barrel Technology and HDK23 Carbon\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEaston's \u003cstrong\u003e232 Barrel Technology\u003c\/strong\u003e uses a plural-resin approach and a five-flex barrel design intended to vary how the composite barrel responds across its hitting area. The Alpha also uses HDK23 carbon fiber. Rather than promising that every pitch near the barrel will travel farther, the practical point is that barrel construction and a 13-inch hitting surface combine to affect the feel and quality of contact. The right hitter needs to maintain a reliable barrel path across the entire plate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat the One-Piece Design Means for Contact\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA one-piece frame produces more direct hand-to-barrel feedback than a two-piece slowpitch bat with a separate connection. This model also has Easton's \u003cstrong\u003eFlex 120 handle\u003c\/strong\u003e and Power Boost Soft Knob, which influence the feel in the lower hand. Hitters who like immediate contact feedback and a balanced swing may prefer this configuration; players wanting the barrel to feel more pronounced should compare the loaded Alpha instead.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBalanced Alpha Versus Loaded Alpha\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe one-piece ESU5AL1B is not the same bat as the two-piece loaded ESU5ALL. The balanced version uses a 13-inch barrel and an uninterrupted frame, while the loaded model has a slightly shorter 12.75-inch barrel and a separate connection. That difference can change how easily the hitter adjusts to a pitch and how the bat feels on a mishit. Compare the actual ounce choice under game-speed conditions rather than relying on a single cage swing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrowse \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/usssa-bats\"\u003e240 NTS slowpitch bats\u003c\/a\u003e for alternatives intended for the same playing category, or the broader \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/slowpitch-bats\"\u003eslowpitch bat selection\u003c\/a\u003e for other swing profiles. For help interpreting composite barrel readings, our guide to \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/news\/compression-testers-what-do-they-do-and-how-do-they-work\"\u003ebat compression testers and barrel stiffness\u003c\/a\u003e adds technical context without confusing a measurement with guaranteed performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eModification Notice\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAny factory certification or approval applies only to an unmodified bat. \u003cstrong\u003eShaved or rolled bats have no manufacturer warranty and cannot be used in sanctioned events.\u003c\/strong\u003e Modified bats must not be represented as retaining the original certification or warranty. Customers are responsible for the rules governing their own league or event.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Easton","offers":[{"title":"34\"\/26oz","offer_id":52036329439478,"sku":"ESU5AL1B-26","price":189.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"34\"\/27oz","offer_id":52036329472246,"sku":"ESU5AL1B-27","price":189.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"34\"\/25oz","offer_id":52036329505014,"sku":"ESU5AL1B-25","price":189.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0685\/5331\/0454\/files\/IMG-3561.webp?v=1792974084","url":"https:\/\/www.bigdawgbatrolling.com\/products\/2025-easton-alpha-1-piece-balanced-slowpitch-softball-bat-13-inch-240-nts-esu5al1b","provider":"Big Dawg Bats","version":"1.0","type":"link"}